Mujtaba Manzoor

About me

I am a documentary filmmaker and photojournalist from Kashmir, currently pursuing the Erasmus Mundus Master’s in Documentary Filmmaking (DocNomadsPlus). My work explores the intersections of culture, identity, and representation of reality through poetic visuals. Growing up in Kashmir, surrounded by both conflict and breathtaking beauty, I witnessed how narratives are politicized by those in power. That awareness became the foundation of my voice as a documentary filmmaker.
In parallel, I continue developing a photojournalistic series capturing children’s games, urban resilience, and the subtle rhythms of cultural identity.
I see film and photography as tools of empathy — ways to observe life without judgement and translate the unseen emotions that connect us all.

trackrecord

Some of my key projects include Kundalshahi, a docufiction exploring a mythical story and an endangered language in a remote Kashmiri village; 9000 Miles, a travel documentary that shows culture and identity of the overall Pakistani scape; and A Poetic Letter to Hyderabad, a poetic documentary of the city’s life and representation through its people and everyday rhythms. Each project reflects my ongoing interest in documenting culture, life, and identity through a personal and poetic lens.

awards

Winner, Nasser Bin Hamad Youth Creativity Award (2021) — A Poetic Letter to Hyderabad
Honourable Mention, Student World Impact Film Festival — 9000 Miles (SWIFF6069)
Student Judge, Student World Impact Film Festival — 9000 Miles
Semifinalist, Serbest International Film Festival — 9000 Miles (SIFF3864)
Official Selection, Egyptian International Film Festival — 9000 Miles and Kundalshahi (EAFF2903) (EAFF2904)
Official Selection, Lift-Off First-Time Filmmaker Sessions (Volumes 10, 11, 12, and 13) — 9000 Miles (FTAMBER11565)(SEGREEN9424)(SARED43899)(FTRED37758)

ask me for

You should contact me for assignments as a Cinematographer, Assistant Camera, Editor, or On-Set Sound Recordist — roles where I can contribute my technical precision and a strong sense of visual storytelling.

equipment

See Hardware Proficiency section for relevant proprietary equipment

hardware knowledge

Cameras: Sony FX3, Sony A7III, Sony A7IV, Panasonic S1 — experienced in operation, framing, and on-set workflows using cine prime and zoom lenses.
Sound Equipment: Zoom H6, lavalier microphones, boom, and shotgun microphones — skilled in on-set sound recording for documentaries and short films.

software knowledge

Adobe Premiere Pro – Skilled in video editing and post-production for documentaries and short films.
DaVinci Resolve – Proficient in editing and overall post-production workflow.

remarks

I grew up in Kashmir, a disputed region, which gave me a unique perspective on narrative polarization. I have experience creating documentaries and photo projects on low budgets, adapting to challenges on set, and handling multiple roles from camera to editing and sound. I am passionate about capturing moments that reflect the human spirit.

Videos

1

A Poetic Letter To Hyderabad – Documentary

Employers

2

Filmmaker · Akhuwat (https://akhuwat.org.pk/)

2024 – 2025

Managed end-to-end production from planning to post-production, collaborated with creative teams on storytelling, and contributed to the Apni Chatt Apna Ghar book through photography and content manag

Media Associate · COLABS (https://www.colabs.pk/)

2023

Produced and edited video and photographic content for campaigns and events, supported media initiatives, and helped manage and optimize the company’s digital

Education

2

DocNomadsPlus (Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Programme) - Documentary · DocNomadsPlus (Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Programme)

2025 – 2027

National College of Arts - Bachelors in Film and Television · National College of Arts

2019 – 2023